Clock generation system with dynamic distribution bypass mode

ABSTRACT

In some embodiments, a tight loop mode is provided in which most, if not all of, the clock distribution circuitry may be bypassed during an initial frequency lock stage.

CLAIM OF PRIORITY

This United States continuation patent application is related to, andclaims priority to, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/126,005 entitled“CLOCK GENERATION SYSTEM WITH DYNAMIC DISTRIBUTION BYPASS MODE,” filedDec. 13, 2013, which claims priority to International Patent ApplicationNo. PCT/US13/48580 entitled “CLOCK GENERATION SYSTEM WITH DYNAMICDISTRIBUTION BYPASS MODE,” filed Jun. 28, 2013 the entire contents ofwhich are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

FIG. 1 shows a typical clock generator system for a processing chip suchas a multi-core server or smart phone chip. It includes a phase lockedloop (PLL) 102, a clock distribution circuit 104, and a feedback divider(FB Divider) 106. The PLL generates a clock and provides it to the clockdistribution circuit 104, controlling its output (Clk Out) so that itsfrequency and phase track an input reference (Ref) clock, albeitmultiplied in accordance with the FB Divider ratio. That is, the Clk Outfrequency will typically equal the Ref Clk frequency multiplied by theFB Divider value. So, for example, if the FB Divider 106 constitutes aDiv/8 circuit, then the Clk Out frequency would be 8 times that of theRef Clk.

The clock distribution circuit (sometimes referred to as a clock tree orthe like) may include buffers and other digital and/or analog circuitblocks for distributing multiple outputs of the clock produced by thePLL. Depending upon the application, as well as on designconsiderations, the clock distribution circuit, in whole or in part, mayor may not be on the same chip as the PLL.

In many cases, the PLL is started under strong bias conditions in orderto achieve stable oscillation with reasonable lock times. The strongbias condition typically corresponds with an initial high frequencyoutput. For example, the operational reference clock may be at 2 GHz,but the PLL might start at around 5 GHz. Unfortunately, since theinitial PLL frequency is high, the distribution circuit 104 is typicallyover-designed to operate with such high frequencies. For example, theclock distribution circuit may require larger devices or higher supplylevels for the clock distribution supply since the PIX will not lock ifthe supply voltage is below the point that can support the initial PLLhigh-frequency condition. The clock distribution loading may also causespikes on the PLL if the voltage supply of the PIX is coupled to thevoltage supply of the clock distribution. This can cause extended locktime and instability, e.g., should a resonance condition be introduceddue to the supply droop and subsequent correction.

Accordingly, solutions to these and other problems may be desired.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the invention are illustrated by way of example, and notby way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings inwhich like reference numerals refer to similar elements.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a conventional clock generator system.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a PLL and clock distribution circuit with aclock distribution bypass mode in accordance with some embodiments.

FIGS. 3A and 3B are flow diagrams illustrating methods for implementingdynamic feedback path switching in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a circuit for implementing a dynamicswitching circuit in accordance with some embodiments.

FIGS. 5A and 5B are signal diagrams showing relevant signals for thedynamic switching circuit of FIG. 4 in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 6 is a state diagram illustrating a process for powering up the PIXand clock distribution circuits in accordance with some embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In some embodiments, a tight loop mode is provided in which most, if notall of, the clock distribution circuitry may be bypassed during aninitial frequency lock stage. This can allow for the PLL to be started,and brought to lock, while the clk distribution power is being ramped.Among other things, this means that the PLL startup frequency need notbe limited by the bandwidth of the clk distribution circuit, and thus,the supply voltage requirement for the clock distribution circuit may bereduced. That is, the clock distribution circuit does not have to bedesigned to support the initial PLL frequency. Among other things, thiscan reduce device power by allowing for the use of lower leakage devicesand over supply levels in the clk distribution circuit. In addition,shorter lock time can be achieved since the distribution latency may bebypassed during initial PLL tight loop lock. Another benefit is thatstartup current spikes may be reduced. Furthermore, even if start-upconditions are not in issue, in some embodiments, disclosed dynamicswitching techniques may be used for dynamically switching within and/orbetween different clock loads and clock load combinations without havingto de-activate the PLL clock source.

FIG. 2 shows a block diagram of a PLL and clock distribution circuitwith a clock distribution bypass mode in accordance with someembodiments, it includes PLL 102, clock distribution load (a.k.a. clkdist., clk load or PLL load) 104 and an FB divider 106, such as thosedescribed in FIG. 1. It further includes a pre-distribution switchcircuit 205, control logic 214, and post distribution switch circuit215, all coupled together as shown.

The pre-distribution switch circuit 205 functions to couple either thePLL Clk output (PLLClk) or a preliminary (Prel) signal to an input(ClkPreDist) of the Clk Dist. circuit 104. The PLL output is used duringnormal operation as input to the clock distribution circuitry, while thePrel. signal may be used for a priming mode to precharge the clock dist.circuit when it is powered up.

In the depicted embodiment, the pre-distribution switch circuit 205includes a signal source 208, AND gate 210, and multiplexer (Mux.) 212,coupled as shown. The mux. 212 is controlled by control logic 212 toselect for coupling to the Clk Dist. circuit either the Prel. or PLLsignal. The signal source 208 corresponds to any suitable signal sourcesuch as a ring oscillator, signal line, clk source, switching digitalsource, or any other desired signal source, depending upon its intendedpurpose with respect to the clk dist. circuit 104. In some embodiments,a signal source may not even be used. The AND gate 210 functions as aswitch to engage the signal source with, or disengage it from, the Prel.input of the mux. 212.

The post-distribution switch circuit 215 includes dynamic clock switcher216 and multiplexer 218. The multiplexer operates to select between theinput (ClkPreDist) and output (ClkPostDist) of the Clk Dist. circuit 104for coupling to the FB Divider 106. (The ClkPreDist signal may also bereferred to as “pre dist. clk” or “pre clk.” Likewise, the ClkPostDistmay also be referred to as “post dist. clk” or “post clk.”) The mux. 218is controlled by the dynamic clock switcher 216, which is controlled bycontrol logic 214. The dynamic clock switcher may include, or be partof, any suitable combination of logic elements to switch from the predist clk to the post clk without causing a problematic glitch and/ordelay on the FB and/or the ClkFbDiv lines, depending on particularimplementations and design concerns. For example, it may be desirable tolimit glitches on the ClkFbDiv line to avoid errors resulting in the PLL“unlocking”, e.g., if the FB Divider 106 comprises a counter or the likethat could be adversely affected by a glitch. (Note that as used herein,the terms “feedback line” and “feedback path” are meant to generallyencompass any part of a feedback path between the dynamic switcher andthe FB input of the PLL. It may or may not include feedback blocks suchas the feedback divider 106. Along these lines, it should be appreciatedthat the post clk may be tapped from any desirable point in a clockdistribution circuit. In the depicted figure, it is shown tapped fromthe end of the clk distribution circuit, but it could alternatively betapped from within the circuit at any suitable clock signal node.)

FIG. 3 is a flow diagram illustrating a routine for implementing adynamic switcher 218 to perform smooth transitioning from a tight loopoperation (clk distribution load bypassed) to a broad loop operation,with the clk dist. load engaged within the PLL control loop. At 304, theclock for the feedback path (ClkFbDiv) is switched from the pre clk tothe post clk without changing state, and thus, without inducing asignificant (if any at all) glitch. The post and pre clocks are expectedto have the same frequency when the PLL, in tight loop, is locked. Usingthis information, the static positions of the pre clk relative to thepost clk can be assessed and used to make a smooth transition from thepre clk to the post clk.

In some embodiments, the dynamic clk switcher 216 essentially tracks thetwo clocks (pre and post clks) and causes the mux. 218 to select thepost clk when it is (or will be) at the same state its the pre clk whenthe pre clk is deselected (disengaged from the feedback path) so as toavoid causing a glitch on the ClkFbDiv line. In some embodiments, itdoes this at a sufficient time so that an excessive frequency jumps, ordelays, at the ClkFbDiv line are avoided. For example, it could switchfrom a High pre clk state to a High post clk state, or it could switchfrom a Low pre clk state to a Low post clk state. It could even switchfrom when the pre clk is at one state to the post clk when at adifferent state, so long as the timing is controlled to avoiddetrimental delays or glitches. Note that there may or may not be asignificant delay from when the pre clk is disengaged to when the postclk is engaged. On the other hand, if there is a not insubstantialdelay, e.g., because of inherent or imposed delay, they may be atdifferent states at the moment when the post clk is engaged. In someembodiments, with this situation, the dynamic switching circuitry couldemploy a circuit to “bridge the transition”, e.g., maintain the feedbackpath at the target state, e.g., the state of the pre clk when disengagedand that of the post clk when engaged.

FIG. 3B shows a methodology for implementing 304 with dynamic switchingcircuitry in accordance with some embodiments where a Low state is to bemaintained during the transition from the pre clk to the post clk. At312, the relative phase relationship between the pre clk and post clk isdetermined. That is, it is determined whether the pre clk leads, orlags, the post clk. At 314, if the pre clk lags the post clk, then theprocess proceeds to 316. This results in the transition to the post clkbeing keyed off of a pre clk High-to-Low transition. With the post clkleading, this should ensure that the post clk will be at a Low state.Otherwise, if the pre clk leads the post clk, then at 314, the processproceeds instead to 318, and the transition to post clk occurs off of apre clk Low-to-High transition, when the post clk is at a Low state.

FIG. 4 shows a circuit for implementing a dynamic switcher 216 inaccordance with some embodiments. With this embodiment, the ClkFbDivline is to be kept Low during the transition to the post clk. FIGS. 5Aand 5B are signal diagrams showing relevant signals for the dynamicswitcher of FIG. 4 when the feedback path is to be switched from the preclk to the post clk, which is enabled through the assertion of an enable(SwEn) signal. FIG. 5A illustrates the case when the pre clk leads thepost clk, while FIG. 5B shows the case when the pre clk lags the postclk.

The depicted switcher circuit of FIG. 4 includes phase detector 402,metaflop (metastability resistant flip-flop) 404, latches 406, 408, mux.410, and AND gates 412, 416, coupled together, and to mux. 218, asshown. It may be assumed that the pre and post clocks are running, i.e.,that the PLL output is driving the clk dist circuit 104 and so it may beassumed that the pre and post clocks have the same frequency.

The feedback line transition from pre to post clk is initialed when theSwEn signal asserts (High). This causes the metaflop output (SwEn0L) togo High, which locks the phase detector 402 with an output (PhDetOut)result that reflects whether the pre clk leads or lags the post clk. IFthe pre clk leads, then PhDetOut is Low, but if it lags, then PhDetOutis High. (Among other things, metaflop 404 serves to synchronize theSwEn signal with the pre clk. It should be appreciated that any suitablelogic circuit may be used to implement a phase detector, metaflop or thelike. They function similarly, and it should be appreciated that anysuitable combination of latches, flops, gates, and the like may be usedto implement suitable phase detectors, metaflops, etc.)

If PhDetOut is Low (pre clk leading post clk), then the '0 path al mux.410 is selected. This is tapped off of the output (SwEn0H) of latch 406.On the other hand, the '1 input of mux. 410 is selected if PhDetOut isHigh (when the pre clk lags the post clk). SwEn0H goes from Low to Highwhen the pre clk goes from Low to High (once SwEn has been assertedHigh), conversely, SwEn1L transitions to a High when the pre clk goesfrom High to Low. (Note that metaflop 404, latch 406, and latch 408 aretriggered off of Low, High and Low states, respectively. This means thatthe SwEn High assertion will progressively work its way through thesedevices with each pre clk half-cycle transition.)

Thus, AND gate 412 couples the post clk to the post clk input of mux.218 off of a pre clk Low-to-High transition when the pre clk leads thepost clk and off of a pre clk High-to-Low transition when the pre clklags the post clk (Note that mux. 218 is selected when SwEn0L went High.So, the mux. is actually switched slightly ahead of the post clk beingcoupled to the feedback line. During this albeit brief interim, the ANDgate 212 maintains the ClkFbDiv Low until the post clk is engaged byeither SwEn0H or SwEn1L.) The dashed line in FIGS. 5A and 5B correspondsto the time when the post clk is actually engaged as the feedback line(ClkFbDiv). As can be seen, a glitch does not occur because ClkFbDivstays Low while the line is transitioned from the pre to the post clk.There is a slight phase error introduced by the switch, but it isguaranteed to be limited to 1 cycle. Note that In the case of setup timeviolations (pre and post clocks are marginally aligned), a clock switchcan chop part of the clock during the switch but the chop time would bebounded by the setup time of the phase detector.

FIG. 6 shows a process for powering up the PLL and clock distributioncircuit for operating the system in a broad loop mode. For example, thisprocess could be implemented in, or overseen by, control logic 214. Insome embodiments, the voltage supply of the clock distribution circuitand the voltage supply of the PLL may be decoupled from each other sothat they may be independently powered up and/or primed apart from oneanother.

At 602, both the PLL and distribution circuit are off. The PLL is thenactivated, finally locking in a tight loop mode (distribution circuitbypassed) at 604. During the PLL state (604), the Clk Dist circuit 104may be powered up, with the signal source 208 applied through mux. 212to the clk dist. circuit 104. Once the PLL has locked (in tight loop),it is selected at mux. 212 to be fed into the clk dist circuit insteadof the signal source 208. During this state (606), the routine may waitfor a preset amount of time before switching to the PLL clock, e.g., “X”clock cycles, possibly set by fuses for example. Alternatively, a“ready” signal indicating PLL lock could be used to cause the PLL clockto be fed into the distribution circuit.

The transition from 606 to 608 corresponds to when the post clk dist.output is switched into the feedback path. Finally, the routine settlesat state 608 (broad loop mode) for steady-state operation.

In the preceding description and following claims, the following termsshould be construed as follows: The terms “coupled” and “connected,”along with their derivatives, may be used. It should be understood thatthese terms are not intended as synonyms for each other. Rather, inparticular embodiments, “connected” is used to indicate that two or moreelements are in direct physical or electrical contact with each other.“Coupled” is used to indicate that two or more elements co-operate orinteract with each other, but they may or may not be in direct physicalor electrical contact.

The term “PMOS transistor” refers to a P-type metal oxide semiconductorfield effect transistor. Likewise, “NMOS transistor” refers to an N-typemetal oxide semiconductor field effect transistor. It should beappreciated that whenever the terms: “MOS transistor”, “NMOStransistor”, or “PMOS transistor” are used, unless otherwise expresslyindicated or dictated by the nature of their use, they are being used inan exemplary manner. They encompass the different varieties of MOSdevices including devices with different VTs, material types, insulatorthicknesses, gate(s) configurations, to mention just a few. Moreover,unless specifically referred to as MOS or the like, the term transistorcan include other suitable transistor types, e.g., junction-field-effecttransistors, bipolar-junction transistors, metal semiconductor FETs, andvarious types of three dimensional transistors, MOS or otherwise, knowntoday or not yet developed.

The invention is not limited to the embodiments described, but can bepracticed with modification and alteration within the spirit and scopeof the appended claims. For example, it should be appreciated that thepresent invention is applicable for use with all types of semiconductorintegrated circuit (“IC”) chips. Examples of these IC chips include butare not limited to processors, controllers, chip set components,programmable logic arrays (PLA), memory chips, network chips, and thelike.

It should also be appreciated that in some of the drawings, signalconductor lines are represented with lines. Some may be thicker, toindicate more constituent signal paths, have a number label, to indicatea number of constituent signal paths, and/or have arrows at one or moreends, to indicate primary information flow direction. This, however,should not be construed in a limiting manner. Rather, such added detailmay be used in connection with one or more exemplary embodiments tofacilitate easier understanding of a circuit. Any represented signallines, whether or not having additional information, may actuallycomprise one or more signals that may travel in multiple directions andmay be implemented with any suitable type of signal scheme, e.g.,digital or analog lines implemented with differential pairs, opticalfiber lines, and/or single-ended lines.

should be appreciated that example sizes/models/values/ranges may havebeen given, although the present invention is not limited to the same.As manufacturing techniques (e.g., photolithography) mature over time,it is expected that devices of smaller size could be manufactured. Inaddition, well known power/ground connections to IC chips and othercomponents may or may not be shown within the FIGS, for simplicity ofillustration and discussion, and so as not to obscure the invention.Further, arrangements may be shown in block diagram form in order toavoid obscuring the invention, and also in view of the fact thatspecifics with respect to implementation of such block diagramarrangements are highly dependent upon the platform within which thepresent invention is to be implemented, i.e., such specifics should bewell within purview of one skilled in the art. Where specific details(e.g., circuits) are set forth in order to describe example embodimentsof the invention, it should be apparent to one skilled in the art thatthe invention can be practiced without, or with variation of, thesespecific details. The description is thus to be regarded as illustrativeinstead of limiting.

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus comprising: a clock generatorcomprising: a first input to receive a reference clock, a second inputto receive a feedback clock, and an output to provide an output clock; afirst multiplexer circuit comprising: a first input to receive theoutput clock, a second input, a select input; and an output; logic toprovide a select signal for the select input for controlling the firstmultiplexer circuit such that the first multiplexer circuit selects oneof the first or second inputs as the output of the first multiplexercircuit; and a clock distribution circuit comprising: an input toreceive the output clock from the clock generator; and an output whichis used for providing the feedback clock to the second input of theclock generator such that a divided version of a clock from the outputof the clock distribution is provided as the feedback clock to thesecond input of the clock generator.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1comprises a divider having an input to receive the output of firstmultiplexer circuit, and an output which is to provide the feedbackclock to the second input of the clock generator.
 3. The apparatus ofclaim 1 comprises a second multiplexer circuit including: a first inputto receive the output clock from the clock generator; a second input toreceive another clock; a select input; and an output.
 4. The apparatusof claim 3 comprises a clock source to provide the other clock to thesecond input of the second multiplexer circuit.
 5. The apparatus ofclaim 4, wherein the clock source is a ring oscillator.
 6. The apparatusof claim 3 comprises a second logic to provide a select signal for theselect input of the second multiplexer circuit for controlling thesecond multiplexer circuit such that the second multiplexer circuitselects one of the first or second inputs as the output of the secondmultiplexer circuit.
 7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the secondlogic is to cause the second multiplexer circuit to select the secondinput prior to selecting the first input.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1,wherein the output of the clock distribution circuit is along one of thetaps of a clock distribution path.
 9. The apparatus of claim 1, whereinthe clock generator and the clock distribution circuit have separatepower supplies.
 10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the logic is toprovide the select signal by tracking the output clock from the clockgenerator and a clock provided by the output of the clock distributioncircuit.
 11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the clock generator andthe clock distribution circuit are in separate chips.
 12. The apparatusof claim 1, wherein the clock generator, first multiplexer, logic, andclock distribution circuit are part of a smart phone or a multi-coreserver.
 13. An apparatus, comprising: a clock generator; a clockdistribution load to be coupled to the clock generator; and controllogic which is operable to: startup the clock generator such that theclock distribution load is decoupled from the clock generator, power upthe clock distribution load while the clock generator is starting up,couple the clock distribution load to the clock generator once the clockgenerator has acquired locked condition when configured in a loopformation, and switch a feedback path of the clock generator from apre-distribution circuit clock to a post distribution circuit clockwithout deactivating the clock generator.
 14. The apparatus of claim 13comprises a switch circuit to dynamically switch the feedback path ofthe clock generator from a pre-distribution circuit clock to a postdistribution circuit clock without deactivating the clock generator. 15.An apparatus comprising: a clock generator comprising: a first input toreceive a reference clock, a second input to receive a feedback clock,and an output to provide an output clock; a clock distribution circuitcoupled to the clock generator; and a dynamic switch circuit coupled tothe clock generator, wherein the dynamic switch circuit comprises: aphase detector; a first multiplexer coupled to the phase detector; anAND or a NAND gate coupled to an output of the first multiplexer; and asecond multiplexer having a first input which is an output of the clockdistribution circuit, and a second input which is an output of the ANDor NAND gate.
 16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the phase detectorhas an output that indicates a phase difference between the output clockfrom the clock generator and an output of the clock distributioncircuit.
 17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the first multiplexerhas a select input which is coupled to the output of the phase detector.18. The apparatus of claim 15 comprises at least two latches coupled inseries such that output of one latch is coupled to a first input of thefirst multiplexer, and an output of another latch is coupled to a secondinput of the first multiplexer.
 19. The apparatus of claim 15 comprisesa divider which is to receive an output of the second multiplexer,wherein the divider is coupled to the clock generation circuit.
 20. Theapparatus of claim 15, wherein the clock generator and the clockdistribution circuit have separate power supplies.